Methods and apparatuses of cosmetic application for visually impaired persons

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a cosmetic kit and method of applying cosmetics onto a face without visualizing said face. The cosmetic kit enables cosmetic products for face, eyebrow and lips to be applied evenly and accurately without visualizing the face.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/403,202 filed on Oct. 2, 2016; the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for applying cosmetics. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses that enable visually impaired persons to apply cosmetics without assistance.

BACKGROUND

A visually impaired person (VIP) faces many challenges in daily life. Studies have shown self-esteem of a VIP is related to how independently he/she can live. Accomplishing simple daily routine, including applying facial cosmetics, can be difficult for VIP without assistance. Customarily, cosmetics and cosmetics applicators have not been designed for those who are visually impaired. Identification of types and colors of cosmetic products, controlling quantity of cosmetic products, evenly and accurately applying cosmetic products are only a few of the many difficulties that VIPs encounter when using conventional cosmetics and applicators. Having cosmetics and applicators that facilitate VIPs to apply makeup would ease their concerns and greatly enhance their self-confidence. Accordingly, there is a need to provide methods and apparatuses to enable a VIP to self-administer cosmetics without assistance or to enable application of cosmetic on a face without visualizing the face.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention, a cosmetic kit and a method of applying cosmetics on a face without visualizing the face is provided. In particular, the present invention enables VIP to self-administer cosmetics without any assistance.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a cosmetic kit comprising at least one component of (a) an applicator for skin tone modifying agent; (b) a template article and (c) a lip color applicator. All of said applicator, said template article and said lip color applicator comprise protruding marker (such as textured surface, braille text) for determining identity and/or color of the components and at least one slip-resistance surface. In one embodiment, the cosmetic material includes scent that is associated with the types and/or color of the cosmetic material for the user's identification.

The applicator for skin tone modifying agent comprises a skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle, a main housing and a audio processing unit, wherein the skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle having an applicator pad affixed onto one end and is detachably mounted on the main housing at the opposite end, the applicator pad is in connection with the skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle to allow a controlled amount of skin tone modifying agent to pass onto a surface when in contact with said surface. The audio processing unit is configured to deliver audio alerts at a preset time interval. The main housing which encloses the audio processing unit includes braille text and/or textured surface, at least one slip-resistance surface and at least one or more buttons operably coupled to the audio processing unit to control the delivery of audio alert.

The template article comprises a handle having an elongated first handle end and a second handle end, an eyebrow piece having an eyebrow-shaped opening, a fastening means configured to connect the eyebrow piece onto the second handle end such that the handle and the start of the eyebrow-shaped opening form a vertical line, and a lip piece having a lip-shaped opening. The lip piece further comprises a fastening means to connect itself onto the second handle end. The elongated first handle end includes length adjusting means for adjusting a length desirable for the user's face. The elongated first handle end further comprises position markers to facilitate the user to position the eyebrow template article at a desirable location. The template article includes a first and second eyebrow pieces which together forms a pair of left and right eyebrows. The first and second eyebrow pieces include braille text for indicating left and right brows.

The lip color applicator comprises a tubular rod having a substantially tear drop-shaped or heart-shaped cross-sectional area comprising cosmetic material, a case that encloses the tubular rod and including a retractable means to expose more cosmetic material from the case.

The lip color applicator may be used alone or in conjunction with the lip piece with or without the handle of the template article attached. The substantially tear-drop shaped or heart-shaped tubular rod mimics the shape of lips. The user is able to stamp the cosmetic material onto the lips minimizing the cosmetic material going out of the edge of the lips.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of applying facial cosmetic on a face without visualizing said face comprising providing a cosmetic kit comprising at least one component of (a) an applicator for skin tone modifying agent; (b) a template article and (c) a lip color applicator as described above; determining the identify and/color of the component from the protruding markers on the components; applying cosmetic material to a corresponding area of a face. The applying step comprising at least one of the following: (i) providing instructions the audio processing unit to deliver audio alerts at a preset time interval for a preset period of time, drawing out a controlled amount of skin tone modifying agent, evenly spreading the skin tone modifying agent onto a first area of the face by tapping or dabbing the applicator pad onto the face, moving to a second area of the face when a sound alert is emitted; (ii) selecting an eyebrow piece and connecting the eyebrow piece onto the handle, adjusting the length of the handle such that the eyebrow piece is placed at a desirable location, drawing a brow by filling in the eyebrow-shaped opening; (iii) selecting a lip piece, placing the lip piece over the mouth of the face, filling the lip-shaped opening with the lip color applicator and (iv) selecting a lip color applicator, stamping the tubular rod made of cosmetic material onto the lip to fill at least a quarter of a lip, rotating orientation of the tubular rod and stamping the tubular rod onto the lip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A depicts a side view of a skin tone modifying agent applicator in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B depicts a front view of a skin tone modifying agent applicator in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C depicts a back view of a skin tone modifying agent applicator in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a removable skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a lip piece in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts tear drop-shaped cross sectional of a tubular rod of a lip color applicator and a lip color applicator in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts template article in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the template article having mounted on an eyebrow piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, a cosmetic kit and the corresponding embodiments are set forth as preferred examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications, including additions and/or substitutions, may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Specific details may be omitted so as not to obscure the invention; however, the disclosure is written to enable one skilled in the art to practice the teachings herein without undue experimentation.

In the present invention, a cosmetic kit and a method of applying cosmetics onto a face without visualizing the face is provided. The present invention also ceases common difficulties a visually impaired person (VIP) encounters when applying facial makeup using conventional cosmetics and cosmetics applicators, such as controlling the quantity of cosmetic products, being able to evenly and accurately apply cosmetic products onto right area of the face, color and tool identification and cosmetics tools and devices rolling off from work surface. The present invention enables VIP to self-administer cosmetics without any assistance.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a cosmetic kit comprising at least one component of (a) an applicator for skin tone modifying agent; (b) a template article and (c) a lip color applicator. All of said applicator, said template article and said lip color applicator comprise protruding marker for determining identity and/or color of the components and at least one slip-resistance surface. In accordance with one embodiment, the cosmetic kit of the present invention includes two or more of each of the components containing different cosmetic material or of different templates in order to create multiple cosmetic looks. The cosmetic material includes a scent that is associated with the identity of the cosmetic material.

In accordance with one embodiment, the applicator for skin tone modifying agent is a device for applying skin tone modifying agent onto the skin. The skin tone modifying agent includes, but is not limited to, foundation, blush, bronzer, shimmer, highlighter or the like which may be used to alter or adjust a skin tone. The skin tone modifying agent may be in the form of cream, liquid or powder or any forms in between that is able to transfer from the skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle through the applicator pad and onto the user. As seen in FIG. 1A-1C, the applicator for skin tone modifying agent 100 comprises a skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle 101, a main housing 102 and a audio processing unit 103, wherein the skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle having an applicator pad 104 affixed onto one end and is detachably mounted on the main housing at the opposite end. The applicator pad is in connection with the skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle to allow a controlled amount of skin tone modifying agent to pass onto a surface (e.g. face) when in contact with said surface. In one embodiment, the applicator pad may be made of flexible, compressible and porous, tufted, or spongy materials as would appreciate by a skilled artisan which is able to retain liquid, cream or powered form of cosmetic material to an extend while being able to transfer the cosmetic material onto the face. The application pad can also be in different shapes (such as circular, tear drop or triangular) depending on the purposes of the skin tone modifying agent to be transferred. For example, a liquid foundation-containing receptacle would have a circular porous spongy applicator pad. The skin tone modifying agent may be drawn out in a controlled quantity by conventional means in the cosmetic industry, such as by compressing the applicator pad against the skin. The applicator pad can be patted or tapped onto the skin to even out the cosmetic product. The cosmetic kit of the present invention includes one or more of the receptacles 101, containing different skin modifying agents and corresponding application pads, are readily changeable from the main housing for different facial purposes. The receptacle includes protruding marker 107 (e.g. braille text) thereon in order for an user to identify the color and type of skin tone modifying agent without visualizing the receptacle. In one embodiment, the protruding marker is a textured surface for the user to distinguish the color and/or type of skin tone modifying agent. In another embodiment, the skin tone modifying agent includes a scent associated with the color and/or type thereof. The textured surface on the applicator receptacle and/or the scent of the cosmetic material enable the user to distinguish the different types or color of component of the present cosmetic kit. Attachment means to mount or remove the receptacle from the main housing may be those exist in the art, such as through simple pressure, a detaching button or twisting movement.

The main housing 102 acts as a compartment to encase at least the audio processing unit and a power supply which powers the unit. In one embodiment, the main housing further comprises a motor therein for vibrating the receptacle to allow even application, electronic circuitries for motion sensing, instruction execution and audio processing. The audio processing unit is configured to deliver audio alert to the user after a preset time interval (e.g. every 10, 20 or 30 seconds) and stops after a preset time period (e.g. 1 mins or 2 mins) or when the user switches the off-instruction button. The audio processing unit times the duration of the cosmetic material being applied at one spot and alarm the user to move the applicator when the preset time interval is lapsed. The main housing also acts as handle component for the user to hold the skin tone modifying applicator. FIG. 1A-1C illustrates one embodiment of the main housing of the present invention. The main housing is not limited to an elongated shape as shown in FIG. 1A-1C, the main housing may be circular or any other shapes so long as the main housing can act a compartment and allow the user to hold the applicator 100 in an ergonomic manner The main housing which encloses the audio processing unit includes protruding markers (e.g. textured surface and braille text), at least one slip-resistance surface 105 and at least one or more buttons 106 operably coupled to the audio processing unit 103 to control the delivery of audio alert. In one embodiment, slip resistance surface adds grips to the applicator 100 preventing the applicator from slipping or rolling off the work surface. In one embodiment, the slip resistance surface is located at least the bottom, the side or back of the main housing.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 3, the template article 200 comprises a handle 210 having an elongated first handle end 211 and a second handle end 212, a eyebrow piece 220 having an eyebrow-shaped opening 221 and a fastening means 222, and a lip piece 300 having a lip-shaped opening 301. The eyebrow piece is readily attached onto or detached from the handle. In one embodiment, the lip piece further comprises a fastening means to connect itself onto the second handle end. The lip-shaped opening of the lip piece is placed over the user's lips to act as a template to prevent cosmetic material being drawn out of the edges of the user's lips. The cosmetic kit of the present invention includes one or more lip piece of different lip shapes in order to create different cosmetic looks.

In cosmetics, the general rule to locate the start of a brow is from a point that is straight line up from the inner corner of the eye and the corner of the nose or nostril, depending on the user's facial feature or preference. In accordance with one embodiment, the eyebrow piece is configured to mount onto the second handle end such that the handle and the start of the eyebrow-shaped opening form a vertical line. The alignment of the start of the eyebrow-shaped opening and the handle enables the user to align the brows with the inner corner of the eye and corner of the nose/nostril in order to draw the brows at a desirable location. In another embodiment, the elongated first handle end includes length adjusting means 213 for adjusting a length of the handle for a brow to be drawn at a desirable location according to the user's face. In another embodiment, the handle further comprises one or two position markers to facilitate the user to position the template article at a desirable location. The position markers assist in indicating the locations of the users' corner of the nose or nostril and the inner of the eye. With the position markers, the user can adjust the length of the handle in order to place the eyebrow piece at a desirable location without being able to visualize the user's features. In yet another embodiment, a first length adjusting means is located between the nose and eye position markers and a second length adjusting means is located between the eye position marker and end of the second handle end. The position markers together with the one or two length adjusting means at the handle of the template article facilitate the user to draw the brow to be aligned with the inner corner of the eye and nose/nostrils, minimizing drawing the brows at undesirable location even when the user cannot visualize his/her own face.

In accordance with one embodiment, the template article includes a first and second eyebrow pieces which together forms a set of left and right eyebrows. The first and second eyebrow pieces include protruding markers (such as braille text) for indicating left and right brows. The cosmetic kit of the present invention includes one or more eyebrow pieces of different shapes indicated by markers to create different cosmetic looks.

The lip color applicator 400 comprises a tubular rod 401 having a substantially tear drop-shaped or heart-shaped cross-sectional area comprising cosmetic material, a case that 402 encloses the tubular rod and including a retractable means (not shown) to draw out more cosmetic material from the case (FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the cosmetic material is drawn out/ejected out from the case by sliding movement instead of the conventional twisting movement. The sliding movement enable the non-conventional, non-circular tubular rod of cosmetic material to be drawn out. In another embodiment, the lip color applicator includes a sponge-like applicator on the tubular rod. The lip color applicator may be used alone or in conjunction with the template article attached with the lip piece. The substantially tear-drop shaped or heart-shaped tubular rod mimics the shape of lips. The user is able to stamp cosmetic material onto the lips minimizing the cosmetic material going out of the edge of the lips. The lip color applicator includes protruding markers (such as texture surface, braille text) to indicate the color and/or texture of the cosmetic material, and/or slip resistance surfaces. In one embodiment, the protruding marker is a textured surface for the user to distinguish the color and/or type of lip color applicator.

In another embodiment, the cosmetic product includes a scent associated to the color and/or type thereof. The textured surface on the lip color applicator and/or the scent of the cosmetic material enable the user to distinguish the different types or color of component of the present cosmetic kit. In one embodiment, the case of the lip color applicator has a triangular circumference to prevent the lip color applicator rolling on the working surface. The cosmetic kit of the present invention includes one or more lip color applicator comprising cosmetic material of different colors and/or texture.

Facial feature of an user may be scanned to create eyebrow piece, lip piece, handle of the template article and tubular rod of the lip color applicator of the present cosmetic kit of shapes that are tailored to individual user's features (e.g. by 3D-scanning and 3D-printing or molding).

The cosmetic kit of the present invention also comprises instructions describing the components of the kit and how the components are used. The instructions include braille text and textured surface informing the user which color and/type of cosmetic a textured surface represents. Each components of the present cosmetic kit (i.e. the main housing of the applicator, the skin tone modifying agent receptacle, the lip case,) are in the same color as the cosmetic material contained therein in order to aid VIP with reduced vision to identify the color of the cosmetic product.

Each components of the present cosmetic kit may be made from materials in the cosmetic industry, such as HDPE, PC, PE and electronic plating. In one embodiment, the eyebrow piece and lip piece is made from PVC or silicon to allow close fitting to the user's face.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of applying facial cosmetic on a face without visualizing said face comprising providing a cosmetic kit comprising at least one component of (a) an applicator for skin tone modifying agent; (b) a template article and (c) a lip color applicator as described above; determining the identify and/color of the component from the protruding markers on the components; applying cosmetic material to a corresponding area of a face. The applying step comprising at least one of the following: (i) instructing the audio processing unit to deliver audio alerts at a preset time interval over a preset time period, drawing out a controlled amount of skin tone modifying agent, evenly spreading the skin tone modifying agent onto a first area of the face by tapping or dabbing the applicator pad onto the face, moving to a second area of the face when a sound alert is emitted; (ii) selecting an eyebrow piece and connecting the eyebrow piece onto the handle, adjusting the length of the handle such that the eyebrow piece is placed at a location which forms a vertical line with inner corner of the eye and corner of the nose or nostril of the user, drawing a brow by filling in the eyebrow-shaped opening; (iii) selecting a lip piece, placing the lip piece over the mouth of the face, filling the lip-shaped opening with the lip color applicator and (iv) selecting a lip color applicator, stamping the tubular rod made of cosmetic material onto the lip to fill a quarter of a lip, rotating orientation of the tubular rod and stamping the tubular rod onto the lip.

One skilled in the art would readily appreciate that different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the embodiments described herein may be optional or may be combined. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the present application.

While the foregoing invention has been described with respect to various embodiments, it is understood that other embodiments are within the scope of the present invention as expressed in the following claims and their equivalents. Moreover, the above specific examples and embodiments are to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the reminder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, based on the description herein, utilize the present invention to its fullest extend. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cosmetic kit comprising at least one component of (a) an applicator for skin tone modifying agent; (b) a template article and (c) a color applicator, wherein said applicator for skin tone modifying agent, said template article and said color applicator each comprise protruding marker and slip-resistance surface, and wherein said applicator for skin tone modifying agent comprises a skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle, a main housing and a audio processing unit, the skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle having an applicator pad affixed onto one end and is detachably mounted on the main housing at the opposite end, the applicator pad is in connection with the skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle to allow a controlled amount of skin tone modifying agent to pass onto a surface when in contact with said surface, said template article comprises a handle having an elongated first handle end and a second handle end, an eyebrow piece having an eyebrow-shaped opening, a fastening means configured to connect the eyebrow piece onto the second handle end such that the handle and start of the eyebrow-shaped opening form a vertical line, and a lip piece having a lip-shaped opening, said color applicator comprises a tubular rod having a substantially tear drop-shaped or heart-shaped cross-sectional area comprising cosmetic material, a case that encloses the tubular rod and including a retractable means to expose more cosmetic material from the case.
 2. The cosmetic kit of claim 1, wherein the main housing of said applicator for skin tone modifying agent encloses the audio processing unit and comprises at least one or more buttons operably coupled to the audio processing unit to control delivery of audio alert.
 3. The cosmetic kit of claim 2, the handle further comprises at least one length adjusting means.
 4. The cosmetic kit of claim 3, the elongated first handle end further comprises a first position marker, a second position marker and a first length adjusting means, the second handle end comprises a second length adjusting means, wherein the first length adjusting means is located between the first and the second position markers.
 5. The cosmetic kit of claim 4, wherein the protruding marker is braille text, textured surface or a combination thereof.
 6. The cosmetic kit of claim 5, wherein skin tone modifying agent of the skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle and the cosmetic material of the color applicator comprise a scent associated with identity of the skin tone modifying agent and the cosmetic material.
 7. A cosmetic kit comprising an applicator for skin tone modifying agent or color applicator; wherein said applicator for skin tone modifying agent and said color applicator each comprise protruding marker and slip-resistance surface, and wherein said applicator for skin tone modifying agent comprises a skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle, a main housing, a audio processing unit and at least one or more buttons operably coupled to the audio processing unit to control delivery of audio alert, the skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle having an applicator pad affixed onto one end and is detachably mounted on the main housing at the opposite end, the applicator pad is in connection with the skin tone modifying agent-containing receptacle to allow a controlled amount of skin tone modifying agent to pass onto a surface when in contact with said surface and wherein said color applicator comprises a tubular rod having a substantially tear drop-shaped or heart-shaped cross-sectional area comprising cosmetic material, a case that encloses the tubular rod and including a retractable means to expose more cosmetic material from the case.
 8. A cosmetic kit comprising a template article, wherein said template article comprise protruding marker and slip-resistance surface, and wherein said template article comprises a handle having an elongated first handle end and a second handle end, an eyebrow piece having an eyebrow-shaped opening, a lip piece having a lip-shaped opening and a fastening means to connect the eyebrow piece or the lip piece onto the second handle end, wherein the fastening means is configured to connect the eyebrow piece onto the second handle end such that the handle and start of the eyebrow-shaped opening form a vertical line.
 9. The cosmetic kit of claim 8, wherein the elongated first handle end further comprises a first position marker, a second position marker and a first length adjusting means, the second handle end comprises a second length adjusting means, wherein the first length adjusting means is located between the first and the second position markers. 